EXPLOSIVE CHIBUKU FINALE

HOW Mine coach Kelvin Kaindu has admitted that he could be a Pastor if he had not taken up football.

Zanaco could not give him a chance to decide his destiny after his playing days, making sure he was roped into the coaching structures before he could look at other alternatives in life.

And now there seems to be no going back for the Zambian mentor who on Saturday faces Harare City in the 2017 Chibuku Super Cup final.

“I have always loved football. But yes, as you suggested, I could have led a ministry rather had I not continued with football. I was involved in coaching whilst I was a player and that is how it all started.

“But still as it is, I always take the opportunity to work for God. I don’t have the paper qualifications but I believe in it being a calling rather,” Kaindu told H-Metro yesterday.

Saturday’s clash will be Kaindu’s second biggest final in a cup competition since he arrived in Zimbabwe in 2012.

In 2013, he was in the final of the Mbada Diamonds Cup, in charge of Highlanders, and he beat How Mine coached by Philani Ncube.

Now he has a chance to make How Mine smile by winning them their first major cup, playing against the same coach, now in charge of Harare City.

“Yes, I remember winning that Mbada cup in 2013 and now it will be great if I can win this cup again with How Mine. I’m not reading much into all those details because what is important for us is to go there and play our normal football,” Kaindu said.

In Harare City, they face the most successful club in the Chibuku Super Cup since 2014.

For the record, Harare City have a chance to become the first club to win the cup twice.

This is already their third final and their worst record was last year when they were booted out in the semi-finals.

“We know they are a good club but this is another game and we have a chance to win it as well. We all go in there with an equal chance to win and we are positive about it,” he said.

How Mine, who were known for some of the veteran players in the Premiership, have undergone some transition under Kaindu.

They now have some of the most exciting young players in the league and chances are high they will lead the attack blended with the experienced players.

“I think our youngsters are doing very well. Tanaka in particular has shown a lot of potential and we believe he can do the job at any stage now and that is the reason why he is the top scorer in Chibuku for us,” Kaindu said.

This week Harare City coach Philani Ncube said the fact that they are in the final, was motivation enough.

“One thing for sure is that I have to believe and I can only lose that after 90 minutes. At the present moment, both clubs are only 90 minutes away from victory but we are preparing to win.

“This is a final and it’s a motivating factor on its own. I don’t think the boys need to be reminded of what is at stake here. Considering that winning this trophy carries the ticket to represent the country in Africa it also motivates players,” he said.